Education isn't just a matter of degrees

March 08, 2013|Gayle Gennett | A Look at Life

Now more than ever, it's important to rely on yourself as well as helping others. We've evolved into a society of part-time positions continuing to spread ourselves much too thin. The stores I used to rely on to fix my appliances have become a thing of the past. Cradle to grave doctoring is dwindling. The only person following you from youth to old age is your hairstylist or barber. They probably have taken the time to know the real you and all about your kids and grandkids, so heed their advice when you ask them. They are more likely to be in the know of what's going on and the resources available, all honed by many years of just listening.

While finishing high school in the 60s, vocational schools were considered the place to go if you weren't college bound. What a shame to put such a stigma on skills that are needed today now more than ever. I grew up in a family where relatives filled the positions of doctor, nurse, lawyer and police, fireman, secretary, mechanic, plumber and electrician. Family reunions often brought about shared work. My dad would take a closer look at my uncle's rash and my uncle would rewire mom's newest light fixture. In the 70s, vocational classes were still considered beneath the college-educated and by the 80s, vocational classes were the first to be cut in the school system. Today we have jobs but not enough individuals educated in the jobs available. I miss the knowledge family members shared with all of us. My cousins took on jobs that put money on the table but not the type of positions that may help any family member. It's too bad that college was stressed to the max as being better or more important. I've never regretted my college experience, but it's not the end-all and I know that. Real life taught me more than classrooms. I learned from books, but I also value what I learned "hands on" in farming, woodworking, painting, and repair.

Due the trend of fewer individuals at our beck and call, I have learned to rely on taking better care of my health and learning to fix rather than pitch, which is what we should all strive to do. Lifestyle changes which include regular exercise and finding a friend to help with a new home dilemma or taking a course on the subject are good things to do.

When stores recalled spinach off their shelves, it reminded me that growing the leafy vegetable was something I used to do and could do again. We have attained a point in this world we live in to be resourceful, flexible and knowledgeable about many topics. Grow as much of your own food as possible. Learn from a gardener and farmer. Think about the item you no longer need and find another use for it or donate it to someone else. Case in point: Someone frustrated with their snow blower left it for free at the end of their driveway. A minor repair brought it back to life and now our son-in-law has a new snow blower.

We also need to support the local community whenever programs present themselves. Educational opportunities at your local library and activities that coordinate with the community are endless. If you want to know more about building, try your hand at Habitat for Humanity. If you enjoy reading, why not volunteer at the schools and early education programs by reading with a child?

If your child does not have an interest in higher education but he or she does show an interest in fixing or taking things apart, be certain to let this path of creativity continue as your son or daughter may be my next repair person or mechanic.

We all strive to have a life with purpose. Sharing your knowledge and skills are needed now more than ever and I hope you will consider doing so everyday. In the end, you are not only helping to build a better community, but helping yourself as well. This is the best kind of second helping I can think of.

Gayle Gennett is a retired educator and counselor with more than 30 years experience. She is currently a licensed professional counselor in private practice focusing on youth and couples counseling. She also oversees the Lay Chaplaincy Program at Charlevoix Area Hospital. She holds a bachelors degree in art education, a masters degree in guidance and counseling and post graduate work in administration all from Eastern Michigan University.